Sammut favourite for MFA Player of the Year

Marsaxlokk and Malta midfielder Kevin Sammut is favourite to land the MFA Player of the Year award for 2007/08 after finishing first in the preliminary stage.

A panel of Malta FA and club officials, along with a selected group of journalists, yesterday voted for the top five nominations that included Sammut, Valletta duo Andrew Hogg and David Camilleri, Ħamrun Spartans' Ryan Fenech and George Mallia, of Birkirkara.

Sammut collected 59 votes and finished ahead of Hogg and Mallia who both received 47 votes. Fenech was fourth with 41 votes and Camilleri followed on 31. The latter was involved in a run-off with last year's winner Gilbert Agius as the two Valletta players had finished with the same tally of points before the final cut of five.

Following yesterday's vote, the contest will be decided after each player is assessed on his performances and disciplinary record at club and international level for season 2007/08.

This year's Player of the Year will be announced later on this month during a Malta FA council meeting.